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Experts Worry Cooler Arizona Weather Will Lead To Spike In Coronavirus Cases

By Steve Goldstein
Published: Tuesday, October 13, 2020 - 12:21pm
Updated: Tuesday, October 13, 2020 - 1:36pm

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Dr. Joe Gerald
Dr. Joe Gerald
Dr. Joe Gerald

The state Department of Health Services reported 683 new cases of COVID-19 and eight new deaths Oct. 13. The state’s total number of confirmed cases is approaching 227,000. To date, 5,767 Arizonans have died from the disease.

State Health Director Dr. Cara Christ testified in court Oct. 8 that she cannot say what indicators will be used to determine when the COVID-19 health emergency is over — and when the governor's emergency orders are no longer necessary.

Some Arizonans — even those who recognize the risk — are growing impatient with the ongoing safety precautions.

Cooler weather here draws people out of their homes more this time of year, and that is worrying some medical professionals.

Dr. Joe Gerald is a health services researcher with the University of Arizona. The Show spoke with him to put the current situation into perspective.

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